Display Frame and Storage Case Unit

ABSTRACT

A combination display frame and storage case unit for comic books or other similarly flat collectibles with improved means of storage, accessibility, and display. Unit including a front frame with a display window, a case body with retainer surfaces, at least one access opening for quick change of display capabilities, a resting apparatus, and a hanging apparatus. Case body is therebehind front frame, backside of front frame serves as the retainer surface, bottom of case positioned in relation to frame as to allow items therein to maintain the same position when stored or displayed, an accessible entryway allows for quick change of display capability, and retainers on rear side of case body maintain stored items position. Perimeter overhang of front frame in relation to case body facilitates units ability to rest inclined, hanging apparatus is incorporated on back side of case body.

CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/331,598 filed May 4, 2016. The entire disclosure of which hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to display frames or structures for partially enclosed and displaying generally planer articles to preserve it in its shape and permit observation of it. More particularly, to display frames with improved means of storing a plurality of intended articles of the same general size and shape.

2. Description of Related Art

Collecting is a ubiquitous human activity, spanning across all ages, all cultures, and takes on many forms. Though the range of interest when pertaining to collectibles is vast, generally, the desire for sufficient means of protecting, storing, and exhibiting a collection is overlapping.

More narrowly, referring to articles in which the respective collectors share this aforementioned desire will reference the field of comic book collecting. Moving forward and continuing with comic books as one example, though not meant to limit the range of possible collectible articles in regard to the present invention, however will be used to facilitate a clear understanding of shortcomings in the current industry with respect to similarly flat generally similar collectibles.

Regarding display for comic books there exist a wide range of various styles and colors that facilitate the display of a single issue or article. However, this method of display makes it difficult and time consuming to change the article being displayed. In addition, this method does not provide efficiency in relation between the space it inhabits and the volume of article(s) it can retain. This method and the various related displays available do offer aesthetic value which in turn does aid in a collector's ability to somewhat incorporate parts of a collection into a home decor. However, its singular display feature still leaves the need for collectors to separate collections for either display or storage.

Continuing to use comics as the exemplary article or collectible, and now turning to common and current storage methods. Generally, and most commonly used means of storage for such a collection will be referred to as long boxes and short boxes. Though more recently improvements have been made to add aesthetic variations in terms of color and design this method remains a cardboard box which in itself presents issues. Typically stored on the ground, this current storage method requires space and subsequently often gets stored away from main areas of a home. This contributes to the separation of collection from the articles intended for display and adds difficulty to accessibility.

While solutions and combinations in terms of picture frames with storage therebehind exist, these have not sufficiently addressed the needs of the respective industry owing to its lack of storage capacity, structural accommodations for weight of such an intended article, nor the ability to quickly and easily change the article from stored to displayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Contents of this summary described are the preferred elements of the present invention and exemplary articles used to aid in the understanding of function neither of which are intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed matter.

It is an object of the present invention to provide and effective and efficient solution to aforementioned shortcomings by providing an exemplary embodiment of a multi-functional framed display and storage case unit with improved storage capacity, structurally permitting quick change of display capabilities, with the structural means for allowing such a unit to be hung on a vertical wall or stand-alone rested inclined on a horizontal surface. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention it is easy to use, economical to fabricate, offers many variations, and be generally aesthetically pleasing as to encourage and facilitate collectors in terms of incorporating collections into a home décor.

In an exemplary embodiment a framed display and storage case unit includes a frame, a frontward display window, a case body with relative depth for storage, not limited to but at least one opening access, a hanging apparatus, and a resting feature. Members or elements are structurally sized in relation of article intended for display and storage.

In view of the previously mentioned shortcomings there presents a need for improvement or a solution for such collectors. The present invention provides means for collections to be accessibly stored with other like articles on display. Thus, in the exemplary intended article of comic books present invention aids collectors with the ability to move storage means from ground to a wall unit, an ultimately more space efficient, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing method. The present inventions improvement in terms of storage means facilitates a collector's desire for accessibility and exhibition. Furthermore, the present inventions solutions in terms of an access opening, for quick change of display, eliminates the difficulty and time required to change the article displayed as with a singular article frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure Descriptions

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention shown in use.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view demonstrating comic or article insertion.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view demonstrating bracket mounting to vertical surface.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view demonstrating frame mounting to bracket that is mounted to vertical surface (comics intentionally omitted from view for illustrative clarity)

FIG. 5 is an oblique side perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a section detailed view of the invention taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the invention as depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the invention as depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the invention shown in resting configuration on a horizontal surface.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the invention shown in alternate configuration as depicted in FIG. 11.

ITEMIZED PARTS LIST

-   10: is the single frame embodiment -   12: is the frame opening -   14: is the side retainer member. -   16: are the rear retainer surfaces -   18: are the insert ramps. -   20: is the bracket slant mate -   22: is the bracket -   24: is the bracket slant -   26: is the wall or vertical surface -   28: are the fasteners -   30: are the exemplary comic books or articles -   32: is the double frame embodiment -   34: is the triple frame embodiment -   36: is the double frame bracket -   38: is the triple frame bracket -   40: is the triple frame embodiment middle upper access opening -   42: is the horizontal flat surface -   44: is rear corner of case unit -   46: is overhang of front frame in relation to adjoined case unit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

This preferred embodiment using best process available to present inventor, it should be known, by inclusion of this statement, methods used and aforementioned members described are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention nor intended to limit the processes used have an end result of such a preferred embodiment.

An exemplary embodiment of a display and storage unit in accordance with the present invention in all figures in regard to construction thereof, including a solid or composite wood cut to respective members and fasteners.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 an exemplary embodiment of a single frame display and storage unit in accordance with the present invention is designated by reference 10.

As depicted in FIG. 1 a perspective view of embodiment 10 in which only the front side is in view. The exemplary embodiment 10 having a basic rectangular structure which can include two horizontal frame members and two vertical frame members when joined together for the front frame and thus the display window 12. The desired frame structure of embodiment 10 can alternately be acquired with one solid form so long as there remains a display window 12. In reference to present invention and further the frame and display window 12, the most dependent measurements are that of the display window in relation to intended article. In the exemplary intended article of comic books this is prevalent as comic book are exact sizes in relation to age class and size variations in regard to comic book stored in bag and board or in a protectant case. FIG. 1 shows embodiment 10 in use as depicted by the exemplary comic books or articles 30 visible in the display window 12.

An exemplary embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2 attached therebehind the front frame and display window 12 are designated members 14, 16, 18, 20 in combination, form the case with depth for storage. Case including one side retainer member designated 14 on opposing side of desired access opening, rear retainer members designated 16 with an angled slant designated as 20 the bracket slant mate, a base member with insert ramp 18, a top member with insert ramp 18, and a hanging apparatus. Side retainer member 14 can be on either side of the case or, as later will be described, a single frame embodiment 10 can have a case with two side retainer members 14 and a top access opening, as long as at least one opening is included in structure as to allow access to stored articles 30. In reference to side retainer member 14, top member, and base member, of embodiment 10, measurements are made relative to desired case depth in relation to desired storage capacity, likewise length of side retainer member 14 in relation to front frame vertical length and preferably does not exceed that frame members length. The base and top members both include insert ramps, designated 18, angled as to better facilitate protection of intended article 30, during entry and removal of storage and display, and are positioned mirroring one another with angles perpendicular in relation to front frame members and longest edges of insertion ramps 18 being faced outwardly from inner case and shortest edges of insertion ramps 18 faced inward the case body. Referring to top member and bottom member of case of embodiment 10 opposite end from that of the insertion ramp 18 angle are formed flush with retainer member 14 which forms the two corners of case. Back side of front frame of embodiment 10 furthermore functions as the front retainer, holding articles vertically upright and in view of the display opening 12. Accordingly done with respective case members positioned as to leave perimeter of back side of front frame around display opening 12. Furthermore, case bottom positioned in relation to back side of front frame of embodiment 10 and respective display opening 12 as to allow exemplary articles 30 to be visible on display through display opening 12 and stored therebehind in the same position.

As shown in FIG. 2 the preferred embodiment of the hanger including two bracket slant mates with opposing degree angles. Designated 20, is one bracket slant of the preferred hanging system and is joined with the inside top member of case angle facing down. Longest side of angle in regard to bracket 20 flush from backside of case and flush with retainer surface 14. Bracket slant 20, functioning as one part of hanger apparatus, also because of position relation to case functions the rear retainer surface designated 16.

As shown in FIG. 3 a continuation of and counterpart to the preferred hanging apparatus. Designated 22 being the bracket slant mate and having opposing angle to the bracket slant 20 as shown joined to the case body in FIG. 2. Though, referring to angle of both bracket slants, a 45 degree angle is preferred and has shown to be best the angle itself is not critical. Though this is the preferred any hanging apparatus can be used in its place as long as it can account for weight distribution of embodiment 10 when in use and articles are stored therein. FIG. 3 furthermore showing an exploded view demonstrating bracket slant 22 mounting. Designated 28 any fastener used to secure bracket slant to vertical surface which has been designated 26.

As shown in FIG. 4 demonstrating the mounting process of embodiment 10 to bracket slant 22, wherein bracket 22 is secured to a vertical surface. With aid of gravity and with addition of the weight of embodiment 10, either vacant of intended articles or with contents therein, causes bracket slant 20 to slide downwardly alongside bracket 22 shown mounted to vertical surface 26, thus interlocking both brackets and maintaining embodiment 10 securely to desired vertical surface 26.

An oblique side perspective view of exemplary single frame embodiment 10 of present invention is depicted in FIG. 5, where in which depiction shows: exemplary articles 30 stored and displayed and embodiment 10 hanging on a vertical surface 26 by means of bracket slant 20 and bracket slant 22 which is attached to the vertical surface 26.

A sectional detail view of the exemplary single frame embodiment 10 of present invention is shown in FIG. 6 and is taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1. Furthermore demonstrating exemplary articles 30 stored therein, and providing included to provide a clearer understanding of the functionality of preferred hanger by means of fasteners 28 and bracket slants 22 and 20 by designation of 24 bracket slant meaning where the brackets meet providing the tension needed to hold articles designated 30 securely on vertical surface 26.

Possible range of variations of present invention are not to intended to be limited by depictions of such variation submitted within the drawings but are included to further make clear the possibility of such variation. It should furthermore be stated that these depiction of variations submitted are of horizontal structure, in that showing preferred exemplary embodiments of framed displays and storage cases are connected in horizontal arrangement, this also shall encompass variations of the present invention that are arranged vertically.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show exemplary double display frames and storage case embodiment 32 of the present invention depicted as a variation there of, in which two frames and two cases are connected and arranged horizontally and share side retainer member 14 of the unit.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show exemplary triple frame embodiment 34 of the present invention as a variation there of, in which three frames and three cases are arranged and connected horizontally. Also shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 is the access opening 40 of the embodiment 34. An aforementioned variation that could apply to the exemplary single frame embodiment 10 wherein case would have two side retainer surfaces 14 and access opening in upper top of case.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 depict a feature built into the structure of embodiment of present invention that permits unit, with or without intended articles 30 stored therein, to stand alone and rest inclined on a horizontal surface 42. Feature is permitted by allowing a slight overhang of front frame designated as 46 around the joining of case body, where depth of case body and rear corner designated 44 allows unit to rest in an inclined position with no need for addition support. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display frame with accessible storage case unit for generally planer items and the like
 2. The display frame with accessible storage unit of claim 1 wherein said frame comprising of two vertical and two horizontal members with an opening for view displayed articles
 3. The display frame with accessible storage unit of claim 1 wherein furthermore said frame of claim 2 is interconnected or attached to an accessible storage case unit sized in relation to desired displayed articles with at least one vertical or one horizontal member of said case having accessible storage to and for the storage of a plurality of generally planer object or the like
 4. The display frame with accessible storage unit of claim 1 furthermore comprising a hanging apparatus interconnected or attached to the storage case unit as defined in claim 3 located either adjacent and between the vertical case members or below the top horizontal case member
 5. The display frame with accessible storage unit of claim 1 furthermore comprising a resting apparatus wherein proper weight distribution and angular positioning of front frame and storage case unit is achieved allowing for horizontal display 